What are we doing here? And why?

Refiner's Fire Ministries is an evangelical Christian ministry to current and former members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) – now known as the Community of Christ (CofC) – and to its more recent Restoration / Restored / Remnant Branch movements. The RLDS/CofC church is the second largest branch of Mormonism.

For 125 years (1860 to 1984) this group was known simply as the RLDS, or Reorganized church. However, a liberal v. fundamental split in the church commenced in 1984 resulting in a variety of splinter organizations with names containing words such as “Remnant,” Restored” or “Restoration.” In addition, the surviving RLDS church changed its own name to “Community of Christ” (CofC) in 2001. This has resulted in much confusion to those outside the movement (and to many within as well!). All the material provided by our ministry is applicable to each of these groups. And as such, we have retained the traditional RLDS designation throughout.

All forms of Mormonism are a distortion of Biblical truth, the person of Jesus Christ and of His gospel. And this “different” gospel of Mormonism is “no gospel at all,” just as the Apostle Paul warned the Galatian church (Gal. 1:7).

We minister in love to Latter Day Saints still caught up in this deception started by Joseph Smith. They have unwittingly placed their hope in a false prophet and his false scriptures, which portray a false system of religion and salvation.

And we minister in love to our Lord Jesus Christ by helping Him reclaim His lost sheep. Jesus said, “No man can come to me unless the father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). Our ministry is to those whom the Father is drawing. Those who love the Truth will recognize and respond to the Truth. Many Latter Day Saints, however, avoid the Truth we offer because they are afraid of it. But the Lord draws many to our ministry to help set them free from their bondage to Joseph Smith. He has been doing that through this ministry for a number of years now, and we have every expectation that He will continue to do so.

We thank God for His tender mercies. Will you hear His voice today?

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS),
now known as the "Community of Christ" church —
and it's breakaway "Restoration/Restored/Remnant Branch" movements.

The Mormon church, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is only one of more than a hundred different church organizations which sprang from the work of Joseph Smith, Jr. beginning in 1830. The largest of these other churches is the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) headquartered in Independence, Missouri.

Why a Reorganization? When Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was killed in 1844, an immediate leadership power struggle followed. Brigham Young, leader of the Council of Twelve Apostles, eventually gathered enough support to become the new Prophet/President. Under his leadership, a significant portion of the church migrated from Illinois to Utah in 1846-47.

But not everyone chose to follow Brigham Young to Utah. Some members chose to follow other leaders, or simply stay behind, scattered throughout the mid-west. Most of these members rejected Brigham Young's claim to leadership, as well as a variety of strange doctrines which Joseph Smith introduced during his later years in Nauvoo, Illinois. Some also believed that Joseph Smith had designated his own son, Joseph Smith, III, to be his lawful successor as President of the church. Sixteen years later, Joseph Smith III accepted the invitation of a group of congregations which claimed to be a "reorganization" of his father's original church, and became their president in 1860. His mother joined this Reorganization with him. This is how the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) was formed. The RLDS church rejected polygamy as unacceptable along with a number of other doctrines and practices such as baptism for the dead, eternal progression to godhood and secret temple ceremonies.

Here are some factors which set the RLDS church apart from Utah Mormonism.

During recent decades, however, RLDS leadership have moved away from some of Joseph Smith's Latter Day Saint doctrine and identity, while at the same time endeavored to gain acceptance by mainstream Christianity. Beginning in 1984, many fundamentalists broke away from the RLDS church over this doctrinal "liberalism" and have since incorporated a variety of independent churches. Many of these groups use either the word "Restored," "Restoration" or "Remnant" in their name and consider themselves to be the "true" RLDS church, i.e., Joseph Smith's original church.

Unshackled by this fundamentalist movement, the surviving RLDS church has become increasingly "liberal." Whereas Joseph Smith claimed for his church the ultimate truth, and exclusive authority from God, today's RLDS leadership promotes religious pluralism"and "dialogue" with the world's religions. As their current Prophet/President confesses, "We have much to give. We have much to learn." (W. Grant McMurray, "A Prophetic People," Saints Herald, June 1996, p. 9.)

Pluralism teaches that God authored and works through all of the world's religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, and that salvation can be found in them all. This view nullifies the fact that God has made Jesus Christ the exclusive means of reconciling mankind with Himself. It also nullifies Christ's "Great Commission" to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19-20). Pluralism also encourages a high level of tolerance, mutual respect and acceptance of all of the world's religions. It is in this sense that today's RLDS church continues to identify with the religious heritage left them by Joseph Smith. They claim it as their own unique contribution to the religious fabric of the world, by which they so desperately want to be accepted.

In keeping with this liberal direction, the RLDS church changed its public name to "Community of Christ" effective April 6, 2001. Regardless of this new liberal direction, the RLDS church continues to use Joseph Smith's elaborate — and un-Christian — priesthood structure, and most of its members still believe that the "scriptures" he created are equal or superior to the Bible.

Christian ministry to RLDS church members, and to their fundamentalist "Restoration" brothers, is the principal focus of Refiner's Fire Ministries.

Are you a Latter Day Saint?
Are you questioning things?

You are not alone.

This page is meant only for RLDS or Restoration Branch church members who have some nagging questions about their church. Right now, I would encourage you to thank God for your questions, as hard as that may be to do. These questions could very well be the Holy Spirit beginning to awaken you to His truth. Hang onto those questions, and work with them. If you love God, it is because He loved you first, and is desiring to draw you close to Himself. And He is being persistent with you. But it's up to you to respond to these leadings.

You need to know that every single person involved in this ministry has been where you are now. And we know what it's like. Every one of us has also pursued our questions, because we wanted to know the truth about God, and be in right relationship with Him. And in the process, each of us has been released from the errors of Joseph Smith. I know that may be hard for you to hear right now. But it's the truth.

I was an RLDS priesthood member for fifteen years. During that time I was a Pastor on two occasions as well as a Counselor to the San Francisco Bay Stake Bishop. During that entire time I never came across a Christian who was either willing or able to show me where I was wrong. Not one. But you cannot say that anymore. After all, you have come to this website and you are reading this page. There is an abundance of material on this site to explain to you--in detail--exactly what is un-Biblical about your church. Take a look at one of our books. Chances are that at least one of them will address some questions you have been having. Chances are they will also bring up some questions that haven't yet occurred to you.

During the course of your research you will undoubtedly discover some things that concern you. You will probably also come across some things that scare you. Why will they scare you? Because you'll realize you have given your life over to a church which is seriously misrepresenting God. This will be particularly scary if you are a priesthood member. I know it was for me. I thought I had been so right. But in reality, I had been so wrong.

Take heart, the Lord has not brought you this far just to condemn and destroy you. His purpose for your life is to bring you into a right relationship with Himself. But for that to happen, you must respond to the work He has started in you. Even though this will be painful, He will not let you experience more pain than you are able to bear, He will absorb the rest of it Himself. His purpose is not to destroy you.

There is a good chance that during this time you will experience a considerable amount of confusion and anxiety. Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable part of the process. But it doesn't last forever. And we are here to help you though it. If you need more material, we have that. If you need to talk things through, we are here for you. If you need prayer, we will pray with you and for you. Most importantly, if you want to know Jesus, we can show you the way to Him. It's not at all complicated.

There is a way out of your dilemma. But the only way out of it is by going through it. We may not know you by name, but we are praying for you. And we are praying that God will set you free, just as He has set us free. It wasn't all that long ago we were sitting side by side in the same church. If you would like us to come along side you, please let us know. We are here to help.

May God bless you with His wonderful freedom and grace!

Paul Trask

Paul Trask   joined the RLDS church shortly after marrying Leslie in 1970. He ultimately embraced this church, and became an ardent supporter for 19 years. Paul held RLDS priesthood for 15 years, pastored RLDS churches in San Francisco and Independence, Missouri and was a Counselor to the San Francisco Bay Stake Bishop. In the late 1980s the Lord began to reveal to the Trasks the errors of Joseph Smith and the RLDS church. This process culminated with Paul’s resignation as pastor and the family’s departure from the RLDS church in early 1989. In 1988 Paul had been pastor of Restoration Branch, at that time the largest of the independent congregations in Independence.

In 1990 Paul enrolled in Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and in 1993 graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree. In 1997 Paul published his first book, Part Way to Utah: the Forgotten Mormons. In early 2001 he created this website. And in 2006 he published his second book, The Long Way Home: Moving from a Pseudo-Christian Cult into Genuine Christianity.

Paul also holds a BBA from the University of Michigan, and is a CPA and Financial Consultant. Paul, and wife Leslie, currently live just outside Independence, Missouri, where Paul continues to write and speak widely about the Latter Day Saint movement.

Leslie Trask   was a 6th generation Latter Day Saint on both sides of her family; an early ancestor died in the 1838 Mormon War in Missouri at the Haun’s Mill Massacre. While she was growing up her father was a pastor, High Priest, and later an Evangelist/Patriarch. For many years he was Counselor to the President of the Detroit International Stake of the RLDS church. Her mother taught and spoke widely in women's ministies.

As she and Paul became serious, she insisted she would never leave her church. Little did she know that they would ultimately both leave the church — and operate this ministry! Leslie continues to support Paul in his writing and speaking ministry, and she corresponds and counsels with those who are struggling with their involvment in Latter Day Saintism. You can read Leslie’s full testimony here.

What's New on Our Website?

If you haven't visited out site for awhile, you may be wondering what has been added recently. For your convenience we've listed on this page our most recent additions.

October 9, 2019

Iron Sharpens Iron Radio Interviews!

Within the past week, Chris Arnzen on his Iron Sharpens Iron radio broadcast has aired 2 interviews in relation to the Jeffrey Lundgren Kirtland Cult Murders. Each interview was for 2 hours.

Barb Luff & Paul Trask Interview - Friday, October 4, 2019 Barb Luff is the mother of Ron Luff, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the Kirtland Cult Murders. Barb provides details of Ron's family life and unbringing, and details regarding the Lundgren Cult.

Ron Luff Interview - Monday, October 7, 2019 Chris Arnzen interviewed Ron from prison, an all time first for his radio ministry. Ron is serving a life sentence for his role in the Kirtland Cult Murders. Ron provides a description of the inner mind control at work in the Lungren Cult. Ron's account of his involvement in the Jeffrey Lundgren Cult, Faith Gone Astray, is available on this website under Resources/Books & DVDs.

September 5, 2018

Iron Sharpens Iron Radio Interviews!

Over the past couple of weeks, three of our authors have been interviewed by Chris Arnzen on his Iron Sharpens Iron radio broadcast. Each interview was for 2 hours.

This was a wonderful opportunity, as the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) and its splinter groups rarely receive this kind of national attention. We thank Chris Arnzen for broadcasting this national focus.

One of our authors, Peter Elliott, will be the featured guest on this program again on Friday, September 21, 2018, where he will be discussing the subject of his doctoral dissertation, “EDWARD IRVING: ROMANTIC THEOLOGY IN CRISIS.”

You can listen to an archived copy of these 3 broadcasts by clicking the links below, which will take you to the Iron Sharpens Iron website.

Paul Trask Interview - Monday, September 27, 2018

Peter Elliott Interview - Wednesday, September 29, 2018

Carol Hansen Interview - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

August 10, 2018

Former RLDS Picnic & Reunion!!

Refiner’s Fire Ministries and Lifeline2RLDS Ministries invite you to our Fall Picnic/Reunion for Former RLDS members!

When: Saturday, September 8, 2018 – 4:00 to 8:00 pm

Where: Baumgardner Park – 2401 NW Ashton Dr., Blue Springs, Missouri 64015. The park is just south of the south service road to I-70 in Blue Springs, about half way between Woods Chapel and Missouri Highway 7. Closest cross street is 22nd.

This year we plan to go around and have everyone introduce themselves and share a little bit about their story. We always have a great time together, and look forward to seeing you!

So bring your favorite dish to pass, and come meet some old friends and make some new ones as we gather to celebrate New Life in Christ!

August 10, 2018

Radio Interviews!

Chris Arnzen has now scheduled 3 of our authors for interviews on his Iron Sharpens Iron Radio Program. All of these programs will be 3:00-5:00 PM Missouri time (4-6pm Eastern, 3-5pm Central). I am still trying to line up an interview for Ron Luff, and will keep you posted.

This is an internet radio program, so you’ll have to listen through a browser at http://www.ironsharpensironradio.com/. You won’t be able to just turn on your AM/FM radio!

So here are the dates:

Paul Trask: Monday, August 27th

Peter Elliott: Wednesday, August 29th

Carol Hansen: Tuesday, September 4th

Chris hosts his program for 2 hours every day. So please feel free to tune in anytime. I think you’ll find him fascinating.

And thank you for remembering these dates in prayer, that the Lord will use these interviews to help set Latter Day Saints free, and bring them to Himself in Truth, and in Love.

January 22, 2018

New Facebook Support Group!

Today we launched a new, "closed" Facebook group entitled, "Former RLDS, Community of Christ and Remnant/Restoration Branch Members." Here is our description of the new group:

"Welcome! You have found a safe and supportive place to discuss the difficult and deeply personal issues of faith.

While the issues you may be wrestling with are uniquely personal, you should be heartened to know that many, many others have gone before you. And we are here to help you deal with your unique situation.

WHO ARE WE?

This group is designed for former members of:

(1) the RLDS church (Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

(2) the Community of Christ church (CofC)

(3) any and all of the Remnant or Restoration Branch breakaway groups

Any current members of these groups are also welcome if they are honestly questioning the Latter Day Saint movement, or would like to explore their faith in the supportive context of this group.

The group is also open to mature Christians who are interested and/or concerned about those involved in the Latter Day Saint movement, and who can make a positive contribution.

This group is NOT open to apologists for these organizations, who want to promote, defend or debate Latter Day Saint issues, or to harass this group or any of its members. These apologists have their own forums. This is not one of them.

IMPORTANT: This is a “closed” Facebook group, meaning that only group members can see the content posted here. And it also means that those who administer the group exercise control over who participates. So before being admitted, the administrators may inquire a bit about your situation, and your intent. That will help keep this a safe, focused and confidential place.

PURPOSE

In short, we are a support system. There are a variety of important issues which surround involvement in a Latter Day Saint church, ranging from scriptural and theological issues to social and family relationships. But most important is one’s relationship to God Himself. We are here to help address each of these concerns, as well as to offer support to each other as we reshape our walk of faith. Being in direct connection with others who understand and care is extremely important. Under the Lord’s direction, we bless each other in the process.

Again, Welcome! May the Lord richly bless each of our discussions!"

To check it out this new group, click here: Former RLDS, Community of Christ and Remnant/Restoration Branch Members

And please join us!

December 27, 2017

Paul Trask Hosted the 'Well Placed Faith' Radio Broadcast

On Tuesday, December 12 Paul Trask hosted the "Well Placed Faith" Radio Broadcast, standing in for Pastor Matt Burton. The subject for the day was the role of Melchizedek in the Bible. Listen in and discover the actual role of this shadowy Biblical character! It may just be diferent than you had been led to believe!

You can listen to a recording of this broadcast by clicking the link below, which will take you to the Well Placed Faith website where you can listen.

MELCHIZEDEK: HIS REAL ROLE IN THE BIBLE

December 4, 2017

Paul Trask to Host 'Well Placed Faith' Radio Broadcast

On Tuesday, December 12, 2017 Paul Trask will be hosting the “Well Placed Faith” radio broadcast, standing in for his friend, Pastor Matt Burton. Matt is currently discussing the opening chapters of Genesis, and has reached chapter 14, where Abram is met by Melchizedek. Melchizedek has been a subject of special interest for Paul, especially in his outreach to Latter Day Saints. And so Matt has asked that Paul stand in for him and discuss this shadowy Biblical character. This is an absolutely fascinating study! The broadcast is at 10 AM Central Time on Tuesday, December 12 on KCXL, 1140 AM and 102.9 FM here in the Kansas City area. Streaming audio of the broadcast can also be heard on the internet at http://tunein.com/radio/KCXL-1140-s32214/ Please feel free to ‘tune in’! Prayers would also be appreciated!

October 18, 2017

Breaking News — Community of Christ church Sells Original Handwritten Manuscript of the Book of Mormon to the Utah Mormon church for $35 million!

The Community of Christ church (CofC) here in Independence, MO (formerly the RLDS church) recently sold the original handwritten manuscript of the Book of Mormon to the Utah Mormon church for $35 million. This amounts to them selling the 'crown jewels' in order to adequately fund staff retirement accounts. Yet another sign that the CofC is imploding, and financially 'going down for the count.' Before this is over, I predict they will sell Kirkland Temple, just outside of Cleveland, to the Mormon church as well. That would likely net them even more than the $35 million from this sale. Stay tuned!

Missouri church’s book, in vault for decades, sells for record $35 million.
$35 million sale price for handwritten Book of Mormon sets new record

The sale of a handwritten copy of the Book of Mormon has set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a book.

The Kansas City Star

September 21, 2017, 6:23 pm ⏐ By Rick Montgomery, 816-234-4410 ⏐ rmontgomery@kcstar.com

To see the actual Kansas City Star article click here (last accessed October 18, 2017).

February 24, 2017

New Testimony — Jennifer (Benedict) Raines

Jennifer (Benedict) Raines, attorney at law, had a wonderful time growing up in the “Centerplace” during the 1970’s and early 80’s. Nearly everything she did was “at church, for church, or with church members.” In her words she lived and breathed church. During the tumultuous conference of 1984 when delegates voted to accept the revelation admitting women into the priesthood, she actively participated in a march protesting the decision. It was about fifteen years later that she began seriously examining the faith she grew up in. She found many disturbing facts in her church’s history that caused her to doubt the validity of her beliefs. She accepted an invitation to visit a Baptist Church and began attending a class called “A Closer Look: Examining the RLDS Faith” where she viewed material she had not previously seen. It was during that time she read Peter Elliott’s book “Reasons for Disbelief” and as a result made the final decision to leave the church. She resigned her membership in the Community of Christ and in September 2011 was re-baptized. She is now a believer in the real and enduring God, Holy Spirit, and Jesus of the Bible.

Read Jennifer (Benedict) Raines' complete testimony here.

February 22, 2017

New Testimony — Paul Gouty, Jr.

Paul Gouty, Jr. was baptized into the RLDS Church at eight years old and raised in a family dedicated to the Church and the teachings of Joseph Smith. Regular church attendance was a must with most RLDS faithful, and as was the expectation, Paul attended Graceland College. However, during the years of turmoil in the church in the late 70’s and 80’s Paul began to realize that the “one and only true church” was not so true to Christ’s teachings. His curiosity led him to research church history and the teachings of Joseph Smith and that in turn led to many questions. Due to a career change, Paul and his wife Jelene lived in several different cities and visited many non-RLDS churches where he was exposed to Biblical teachings and the real message of salvation as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9. As a result, he accepted the Lord as his Savior and was re-baptized. Grateful for the Bible, the infallible Word of God, he now shares the message of salvation with RLDS family and other RLDS faithful.

Read Paul Gouty's complete testimony here.

June 30, 2016

Thank you for praying for the Community of Christ (RLDS) World Conference!

Many thanks to those of you who prayed for the Community of Christ (RLDS) World Conference the week of June 6! Thousands of pieces of literature were distributed to Conference attendees, accompanied by countless conversations. Despite the heat here in Missouri that week, the team of street evangelists held up well, and were gratified by the receptive spirit of the many Conference attendees with whom they spoke.

And we know that their efforts have been effective so far! This website has seen a dramatic, sustained spike in new activity ever since, and we have received multiple book orders as well. Once they got home, these attendees got out that literature they had been collecting all week, and began reading it. And that apparently has wetted the appetite of many to learn more. We are grateful for this, and hopeful that God will use the truth of His Word to set many of these people free from the errors of Joseph Smith.

Please continue to pray with us for their deliverance from the false gospel and scriptures of Joseph Smith, and for their acceptance of Jesus alone, and the real Bible alone!

June 7, 2016

Please pray for the Community of Christ (RLDS) World Conference This Week!

Please pray for the Community of Christ (RLDS) World Conference this week. I created 11 pamphlets specifically for this event, and a team of street evangelists will hand out 3,300 copies to Conference attendees from around the world. Please pray that the Lord will lift the veil of Joseph Smith's deception, and lead people into the Truth. Thanks very much! (If you're interested in any of these pamphlets, just let me know and I'll send you a copy.)

October 23, 2014

Paul Trask Talks About Joseph Smith's Priesthood System on the 'Well Placed Faith' Radio Broadcast

Paul Trask had a great program this past Tuesday on the 'Well Placed Faith' radio broadcast. He spoke extensively on Joseph Smith's priesthood system, which is neither Biblical nor Christian. You can listen to it here.

October 16, 2014

New Letter from Dennis & Phyllis Barnes

Hello to both of you,

God sold our home on September 15th and we are moving on October the 6th

Paul we can not thank you enough for your teaching God's word in Sunday School. We are so very appreciative of the knowledge you imparted to us concerning the heresy of Joseph Smith. We will continue to pray for your ministry to not only Latter Day Saints but all who are seeking the truth.

Love you both,

Dennis & Phyllis Barnes

October 16, 2014

Paul Trask Hosted the 'Well Placed Faith' Radio Broadcast

Paul Trask sat in for Pastor Matt Burton this past Tuesday and hosted his Well Placed Faith radio broadcast. You can listen below. Paul will be on the show agin this coming Tuesday at 10 AM central, but will not be hosting it this time. For those in the KC area the station is KCXL, 1140 AM and 102.9 FM. Streaming audio can be heard on the internet using this web address: http://tunein.com/radio/KCXL-1140-s32214/

October 8, 2014

Paul & Leslie Trask featured on Radio Show

This past Tuesday, Oct 7, Paul & Leslie Trask were the featured guests on the “Well Placed Faith,” radio show. Leslie, a former 6th generation Latter Day Saint, shared her testimony. You can listen to a recording of this broadcast here.

Paul will be on the show again this coming Tues, Oct 14. So if you have any questions or comments, just let us know. We may well talk about it on the air!

October 2, 2014

Paul Trask to be featured again on Radio Show — Tues, Oct 7 at 10AM Central

On Tuesday, October 7 Paul Trask will once again be the featured guest on the “Well Placed Faith” radio broadcast, hosted by pastor Matt Burton. The show is aired at 10:00 AM Central Time, and broadcast on 1140 AM and 102.9 FM for those in the greater Kansas City region. You can listen to streaming audio of the show by logging onto

http://tunein.com/radio/KCXL-1140-s32214/

Feel free to also check out the station’s website at http://www.kcxl.com.

If you have a question or comment you’d like us to address during the program, please use the “Contact Us” button at the top of this page.

When we are able, we will post a recording of the show on this page. So stay tuned!

October 2, 2014

Paul Trask featured on Radio Show

On Tuesday, September 23 Paul Trask was the featured guest on “Well Placed Faith,” a live radio broadcast hosted by Paul’s good friend, pastor Matt Burton. You can listen to a recording of this broadcast here.

August 1, 2014

New Article — "Bedrock of a Faith is Jolted"

The following article was front page news in the Los Angeles Times while we were living there in 2006. It caused quite a stir.

There is an option to download a pdf copy at the end of the article.

Read "Bedrock of a Faith is Jolted" here.

DNA tests contradict Mormon scripture.
The church says the studies are being twisted to attack its beliefs.

Los Angeles Times
Front Page News Article

February 16, 2006 ⏐ William Lobdell ⏐ Times Staff Writer

From the time he was a child in Peru, the Mormon Church instilled in Jose A. Loayza the conviction that he and millions of other Native Americans were descended from a lost tribe of Israel that reached the New World more than 2,000 years ago.

”We were taught all the blessings of that Hebrew lineage belonged to us and that we were special people,” said Loayza, now a Salt Lake City attorney. “It not only made me feel special, but it gave me a sense of transcendental identity, an identity with God.”

A VOTE FOR OPENNESS: Salt Lake City attorney
Jose A. Loayza, shown at Temple Square, says
the Church of Latter-day Saints should embrace
the controversy: “They should openly address it.”
(Steve C. Wilson/For The Times)

A few years ago, Loayza said, his faith was shaken and his identity stripped away by DNA evidence showing that the ancestors of American natives came from Asia, not the Middle East.

“I've gone through stages,” he said. “Absolutely denial. Utter amazement and surprise. Anger and bitterness.”

For Mormons, the lack of discernible Hebrew blood in Native Americans is no minor collision between faith and science. It burrows into the historical foundations of the Book of Mormon, a 175-year-old transcription that the church regards as literal and without error.

For those outside the faith, the depth of the church's dilemma can be explained this way: Imagine if DNA evidence revealed that the Pilgrims didn't sail from Europe to escape religious persecution but rather were part of a migration from Iceland — and that U.S. history books were wrong.

Critics want the church to admit its mistake and apologize to millions of Native Americans it converted. Church leaders have shown no inclination to do so. Indeed, they have dismissed as heresy any suggestion that Native American genetics undermine the Mormon creed.

Yet at the same time, the church has subtly promoted a fresh interpretation of the Book of Mormon intended to reconcile the DNA findings with the scriptures. This analysis is radically at odds with long-standing Mormon teachings.

Some longtime observers believe that ultimately, the vast majority of Mormons will disregard the genetic research as an unworthy distraction from their faith.

“This may look like the crushing blow to Mormonism from the outside,” said Jan Shipps, a professor emeritus of religious studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, who has studied the church for 40 years. “But religion ultimately does not rest on scientific evidence, but on mystical experiences. There are different ways of looking at truth.”

According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an angel named Moroni led Joseph Smith in 1827 to a divine set of golden plates buried in a hillside near his New York home.

God provided the 22-year-old Smith with a pair of glasses and seer stones that allowed him to translate the “Reformed Egyptian” writings on the golden plates into the “Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

Mormons believe these scriptures restored the church to God's original vision and left the rest of Christianity in a state of apostasy.

The book's narrative focuses on a tribe of Jews who sailed from Jerusalem to the New World in 600 BC and split into two main warring factions.

The God-fearing Nephites were “pure” (the word was officially changed from “white” in 1981) and “delightsome.” The idol-worshiping Lamanites received the “curse of blackness,” turning their skin dark.

According to the Book of Mormon, by 385 AD the dark-skinned Lamanites had wiped out other Hebrews. The Mormon church called the victors “the principal ancestors of the American Indians.” If the Lamanites returned to the church, their skin could once again become white.

Over the years, church prophets — believed by Mormons to receive revelations from God — and missionaries have used the supposed ancestral link between the ancient Hebrews and Native Americans and later Polynesians as a prime conversion tool in Central and South America and the South Pacific.

“As I look into your faces, I think of Father Lehi [patriarch of the Lamanites], whose sons and daughters you are,” church president and prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said in 1997 during a Mormon conference in Lima, Peru. “I think he must be shedding tears today, tears of love and gratitude. “This is but the beginning of the work in Peru.”

In recent decades, Mormonism has flourished in those regions, which now have nearly 4 million members — about a third of Mormon membership worldwide, according to church figures.

“That was the big sell,” said Damon Kali, an attorney who practices law in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is descended from Pacific Islanders. “And quite frankly, that was the big sell for me. I was a Lamanite. I was told the day of the Lamanite will come.”

A few months into his two-year mission in Peru, Kali stopped trying to convert the locals. Scientific articles about ancient migration patterns had made him doubt that he or anyone else was a Lamanite.

“Once you do research and start getting other viewpoints, you're toast,” said Kali, who said he was excommunicated in 1996 over issues unrelated to the Lamanite issue. “I could not do missionary work anymore.”

Critics of the Book of Mormon have long cited anachronisms in its narrative to argue that it is not the work of God. For instance, the Mormon scriptures contain references to a seven-day week, domesticated horses, cows and sheep, silk, chariots and steel. None had been introduced in the Americas at the time of Christ.

In the 1990s, DNA studies gave Mormon detractors further ammunition and new allies such as Simon G. Southerton, a molecular biologist and former bishop in the church.

DISSENT: Molecular biologist and Mormon
Simon G. Southerton concluded that his
faith needed to be reevaluated.

Southerton, a senior research scientist with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia, said genetic research allowed him to test his religious views against his scientific training.

Genetic testing of Jews throughout the world had already shown that they shared common strains of DNA from the Middle East. Southerton examined studies of DNA lineages among Polynesians and indigenous peoples in North, Central and South America. One mapped maternal DNA lines from 7,300 Native Americans from 175 tribes.

Southerton found no trace of Middle Eastern DNA in the genetic strands of today's American Indians and Pacific Islanders.

In “Losing a Lost Tribe,” published in 2004, he concluded that Mormonism — his faith for 30 years — needed to be reevaluated in the face of these facts, even though it would shake the foundations of the faith.

The problem is that Mormon leaders cannot acknowledge any factual errors in the Book of Mormon because the prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed it the “most correct of any book on Earth,” Southerton said in an interview.

“They can't admit that it's not historical,” Southerton said. “They would feel that there would be a loss of members and loss in confidence in Joseph Smith as a prophet.”

Officially, the Mormon Church says that nothing in the Mormon scriptures is incompatible with DNA evidence, and that the genetic studies are being twisted to attack the church.

“We would hope that church members would not simply buy into the latest DNA arguments being promulgated by those who oppose the church for some reason or other,” said Michael Otterson, a Salt Lake City-based spokesman for the Mormon church.

“The truth is, the Book of Mormon will never be proved or disproved by science,” he said.

Unofficially, church leaders have tacitly approved an alternative interpretation of the Book of Mormon by church apologists — a term used for scholars who defend the faith.

The apologists say Southerton and others are relying on a traditional reading of the Book of Mormon — that the Hebrews were the first and sole inhabitants of the New World and eventually populated the North and South American continents.

The latest scholarship, they argue, shows that the text should be interpreted differently. They say the events described in the Book of Mormon were confined to a small section of Central America, and that the Hebrew tribe was small enough that its DNA was swallowed up by the existing Native Americans.

“It would be a virtual certainly that their DNA would be swamped,” said Daniel Peterson, a professor of Near Eastern studies at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, part of the worldwide Mormon educational system, and editor of a magazine devoted to Mormon apologetics. “And if that is the case, you couldn't tell who was a Lamanite descendant.”

Southerton said the new interpretation was counter to both a plain reading of the text and the words of Mormon leaders.

“The apologists feel that they are almost above the prophets,” Southerton said. “They have completely reinvented the narrative in a way that would be completely alien to members of the church and most of the prophets.”

The church has not formally endorsed the apologists' views, but the official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — http://www.lds.org — cites their work and provides links to it.

“They haven't made any explicit public declarations,” said Armand L. Mauss, a church member and retired Washington State University professor who recently published a book on Mormon race and lineage. “But operationally, that is the current church's position.”

The DNA debate is largely limited to church leaders, academics and a relatively small circle of church critics. Most Mormons, taught that obedience is a key value, take the Book of Mormon as God's unerring word.

“It's not that Mormons are not curious,” Mauss said. “They just don't see the need to reconsider what has already been decided.”

Critics contend that Mormon leaders are quick to stifle dissent. In 2002, church officials began an excommunication proceeding against Thomas W. Murphy, an anthropology professor at Edmonds Community College in Washington state.

He was deemed a heretic for saying the Mormon scriptures should be considered inspired fiction in light of the DNA evidence.

After the controversy attracted national media coverage, with Murphy's supporters calling him the Galileo of Mormonism, church leaders halted the trial.

Loayza, the Salt Lake City attorney, said the church should embrace the controversy.

“They should openly address it,” he said. “Often, the tack they adopt is to just ignore or refrain from any opinion. We should have the courage of our convictions. This [Lamanite issue] is potentially destructive to the faith.”

Otterson, the church spokesman, said Mormon leaders would remain neutral. “Whether Book of Mormon geography is extensive or limited or how much today's Native Americans reflect the genetic makeup of the Book of Mormon peoples has absolutely no bearing on its central message as a testament of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Mauss said the DNA studies haven't shaken his faith. “There's not very much in life — not only in religion or any field of inquiry — where you can feel you have all the answers,” he said.

“I'm willing to live in ambiguity. I don't get that bothered by things I can't resolve in a week.”

For others, living with ambiguity has been more difficult. Phil Ormsby, a Polynesian who lives in Brisbane, Australia, grew up believing he was a Hebrew.

“I visualized myself among the fighting Lamanites and lived out the fantasies of the [Book of Mormon] as I read it,” Ormsby said. “It gave me great mana [prestige] to know that these were my true ancestors.”

The DNA studies have altered his feelings completely.

“Some days I am angry, and some days I feel pity,” he said. “I feel pity for my people who have become obsessed with something that is nothing but a hoax.” ❧

To see the actual LA Times article click here (last accessed July 10, 2014).

"Bedrock of a Faith is Jolted" pdf file

July 3, 2014

New Letter — from a grateful inmate

Not many people know that we have a ministry to inmates in various prisons across the country. We correspond & frequently provide books & other literature free of charge. Below are encouraging excerpts from one inmate letter we received recently. Names, addresses & phone numbers have been removed.

Read excerpts from the grateful inmate letter here.

October 29, 2013

New Testimony — Carrie Crawford Blackman

Carrie was baptized into the RLDS church at 8 years old as a 4th generation Latter Day Saint. She married outside the RLDS church, and began attending a non-RLDS church with her husband. When they volunteered for service, however, the pastor hesitated because of Carrie’s staunchly held Latter Day Saint beliefs. While initially upset, Carrie and her husband began serious research into RLDS beliefs. The result was one she could not have foreseen.

Read Carrie Crawford Blackman's complete testimony here.

October 28, 2013

New Article — "The Paradigm Shift Dilemma"

I discovered this article in the Liberty Crier, to which I am a subscriber (http://libertycrier.com). Its thrust is political & economic. But the principles discussed are universal. Nelson Hultberg puts his finger squarely on a cluster of human dynamics which are all intertwined — egotism, integrity, honesty and the ability to change one’s mind about important matters. This kind of change is popularly referred to as a Paradigm Shift, as Mr. Hultberg will explain.

Indeed, I have observed this cluster of dynamics in play in virtually every facet of human endeavor. But I have been particularly attentive to it in spiritual matters. And that’s the reason I am providing a copy of this article. All too often, people cease being “seekers of truth,” but rather “seekers of support for their previous convictions.” We occasionally make fun of this dynamic with the familiar line, “I’ve already made my mind up – don’t confuse me with the facts!”

At a certain point in life many people seem to develop mental and spiritual “rigor mortise” as it were. They lose the ability to think clearly and accurately about significant issues – even in the face of important new information. They instead spend their energy defending or justifying their thoughts or actions of an earlier day and time.

Now that you’ve read this short introduction, perhaps you, too, will be attentive to this inclination in yourself and others.

I hope you find this article informative and thought provoking. Perhaps it will even lead to a Paradigm Shift!

"The Paradigm Shift Dilemma" pdf file

October 2, 2013

Errata Available for Paul Trask's book Part Way to Utah

The 2nd Edition of Part Way to Utah: the Forgotten Mormons (2005) was edited with different software from that of the 1st Edition (1997). During this process, some very important formatting was lost in the columnar presentations on three pages: 90, 94 and 100.

In each of these presentations, the use of strikeout and italics are used to facilitate comparisons between original documents and subsequent variants. Strikeout is used to indicate words omitted in subsequent versions and italics is used to indicate words which were added.

Significant italicization was lost on each of the three pages identified above. This is a very important part of the presentation. Accordingly, these pages have been corrected, and are included in the Errata below.

If you have a 2nd Edition, we encourage you to print out this pdf file and stick it in your copy to facilitate your review of these pages.

"Errata for Part Way to Utah" pdf file

September 10, 2013

New article — "Is the Book Of Mormon Inspired by God? Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?"

A friend of mine forwarded the following article for me to look at and consider posting. It is quite good, and so I'm making it available here.
It is written to Utah Mormons (with related references), but the author's approach is applicable to all Latter Day Saints. He makes observations and asks questions which beg an answer.
The article is written by John R. Gentry, and comes from the website BibleStudyGuide.org. The article can be directly accessed at Is the Book Of Mormon Inspired by God? Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?
I requested and was granted permission to make this article available here in pdf format.

"Is the Book Of Mormon Inspired by God? Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?" pdf file

August 5, 2013

A new letter from Judy Meikle:

I have had questions many years ago and followed my son to a Baptist Church.
At first I was angry because I felt like I was lied to all my life.
I have learned so much since accepting salvation.
A friend shared this web site.
Thanks for helping.
Judy Meikle

May 27, 2013

A new book is available from our ministry! We've added Reasons for Disbelief, by Peter Elliott of Western Australia.

Peter Elliott grew up in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and spent most of his early twenties travelling the world (living off tinned fish and yoghurt), gold prospecting, and escaping from government jobs. Since then he has earned a bachelors degree in English Literature from the West Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) and a Bachelor of Divinity and a Masters in Theology both from Murdoch University. Most recently Peter has submitted a doctoral thesis entitled Edward Irving: Romantic theology in crisis at Murdoch University. Peter lectures in Church History in several colleges and lives near Fremantle, Western Australia with his wife Deborah and their two sons, Joel and Jason.

It takes courage and honesty to critically examine the faith you were brought up with—without rejecting God altogether. Reasons for Disbelief chronicles just such an examination. Peter Elliott’s family had been members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS – now called Community of Christ) for five generations. In his early twenties, however, Peter began honestly exploring his family’s faith for himself. This book is the result of that investigation. Originally self-published in 1980, it documents both how the traditional RLDS beliefs were historically untenable, and also how the later RLDS leadership tried to distance itself from these beliefs without openly denying them. This expanded edition contains a new preface and postscript, and includes previously unpublished correspondence with RLDS church leadership.

This is a great book, and covers so many of the problems with Latter Day Saintism. A special feature of this book is that it contains personal correspondence with top RLDS leaders wherein they disclose a secret strategy — a "long range, systematic" plan to alter the membership's understanding of the church's founding history!

Find this on our Books & DVDs page for $7.00 plus $1.65 shipping.

April 9, 2013

Our new, completely redesigned website debuted on Thursday, March 28, and the response has been fantastic. Our traffic has been far stronger than normal as people explore our new format and the information we are providing.

If you’re new to our ministry, Welcome! Please feel free to share any comments or questions with us using our Contact page. May the Lord bless your time here, and steer you to useful information which will bring you into closer relationship with Himself.

Our many thanks to Craig Shatswell, who had been our webmaster for the past 5 years, and had helped redesign the site in 2008. And thanks also to Rob Tapley who provided guidance for our most recent redesign, and continues to offer technical assistance.

March 12, 2013

We're in the midst of a complete redesgin of this website. It will have a fresh new look, and have some new content as well. And it will provide the structure for expanded content in the future. Stay tuned!

January 7, 2013

New Class! Paul Trask will be teaching a 12 week class on Latter Day Saintism beginning 9:00 am, Sunday, March 3, 2013 at New Life Church in Oak Grove, Missouri. The church is located at 801 SW 1st St., Oak Grove, MO 64075.

Here is a map to help you find the church

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